District hosts fireworks display to commemorate student killed in bus crash – WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio

CLARK COUNTY – Friday night in Clark County featured much more than just a high school football game.

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As reported in News Center 7 at 11am, Hundreds of people gathered, most in red, to honor 11-year-old Aiden Clark.

Clark died in a bus accident involving a Northwestern Local Schools bus on the district's first day of school on August 22, 2023.

People said they would never forget this day but did what they could to cheer each other up.

“I think this is a great thing. I think the more you bring the community together, the more it benefits everyone around you,” said Gabe Berner.

The students had fun with the fireworks.

“I'm just glad the fireworks are going to start and everyone is going to have a good time tonight,” said Camden Rife.

Regarding the planning of the award ceremony at the end of the game, the district stated:

“Everyone has the freedom to decide how to deal with this tragic event. The district will host a fireworks display to give the community an opportunity to come together and grow while remaining respectful of the events.”

A former teacher from the district explained why the event was so important.

“I like the idea of ​​them organizing an event where they can celebrate the fact that he is being remembered,” Larry Pilson said.

Although he did not know Clark, he is aware of the effect his memory has on those around him.

“From everything I heard about him, he was a great kid. He loved the sport and that's why a lot of people were touched by him, people who didn't even know him,” Pilson said.

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